ARC-1182
Level of description
collection
Title
Jay Kool Cleveland Hip Hop Collection
Date
1981-2025, undated
Size
0.42 (Linear feet) ; 967.85 (GB)
NEO Sound
x
Biography / Administrative History
Joseph Glover, also known as Jay Kool, is a Cleveland, Ohio based rapper and filmmaker. He was one of Cleveland's earliest rappers and his group Catch 22 signed to major hip hop label Profile Records in 1991. Glover is also a filmmaker and created the multipart docuseries “216: Legends of the Land” as way to highlight Cleveland's role in hip hop history and culture. “216: Legends of the Land” first premiered at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 50 Years of Hip-Hop celebration in 2023.
Scope and Contents
The Jay Kool Cleveland Hip Hop Collection contains materials dated 1981-2025 that were used in the making of "216: Legends of the Land," a docuseries about the importance of hip hop history and culture in Cleveland, Ohio. The collection is arranged by format and includes studio audio recordings, clippings, correspondence, digital audio and video recordings, flyers, CD inserts, an art print by Cleveland artist Mr. Soul, and posters of Cleveland performers Jay Kool and Eric Wilson. Highlights include a copy of a 1991 contract between Cleveland group Catch 22 and Profile Records, photographs of the Ohio Valley Urban Music Awards by photographer Janet Macoska, and original programs of the 1985-1987 music awards. This collection provides detailed insight into the history of the hip hop scene in Northeast Ohio, Cleveland in particular; it will also be of interest to those curious about the process of researching and creating a documentary.
Notes
Acquisition Note: The Jay Kool Cleveland Hip Hop Collection was received by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a gift from Jay Kool on December 12, 2019, February 14, 2025, and September 22, 2025.
Citation: [Identification of Item], Jay Kool Cleveland Hip Hop Collection, Library and Archives, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Language Note: Collection is in English.
Processing Information: Processed by Lyndsey Godwin-Kresge, Audiovisual Archivist. Completed April 18, 2025. Revised December 1, 2025. Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory: DACS and local processing manual.
Access
Collection is open for research. Patrons must sign the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibilities and Privacy Rights statement on the Researcher Registration Form before using this collection. Consult the Library and Archives in advance of your visit to ensure access to these materials is available.
Use
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. For more information, please consult the staff of the Library and Archives.
Associated Persons
Associated Subjects
Creator
